Boy Scouts reach $850 million settlement with victims of sexual abuse

The Boy Scouts of America have agreed to pay victims of abuse $850 million. It is the largest settlement in a child sexual abuse case in U.S. history.

There are more than 60,000 people currently in the lawsuit, but more are expected. Under the agreement, each victim would get a maximum of $10,000.

Critics of the settlement say that’s not enough for a lifetime of problems. Many of the victims are now in their 60s and 70s and have ongoing mental and emotional issues.

The 110-year-old organization has been plagued with claims of abuse from volunteers and leaders since the 1960s.

Prior court documents revealed many local chapters made lists of the accused Scout leaders to not allow them back, but then did not go far enough to inform other chapters of the allegations. The court documents show accused leaders moving from chapter to chapter.

The organization filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year as it faced mounting legal costs to defend itself against the claims.

The settlement could prove to be a pivotal moment in the organization’s bankruptcy case.